Accessory Dwelling Units in California

Why Build an ADU?

ADU Regulations in California

With the passage of Senate Bill 1069, that went into effect January 1, 2017, California just opened the doors for more people to build Accessory Dwelling Units aka Tiny Homes aka granny flats on their property. The law was prompted by escalating housing prices and a need for more affordable housing units. Although building secondary units on property for elderly parents coined the term “tiny homes,” real estate agents and lawmakers say rent is so high that just about everyone is trying to get in one nowadays. “It’s a modest step,” said Steve Russell, executive director of the San Diego Housing Federation. “Anything that contributes to housing supply is part of the solution . . . it’s a big drop in the bucket but it’s still just a drop in the bucket.” Bill Cavanaugh, USModular Inc said “Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit is a cost effective way to add square footage for family members or for a rental unit to offset the rising cost of homes in California. Our typical client builds an 850 sq. ft tiny home which will have a kitchen, living room , up to 2 bedrooms and baths which is manageable and affordable for most home owners.”

Key Points

*ADU cannot exceed 1,200 sq. ft
*ADU can be standalone unit/house or be a converted garage
*Reduced Parking requirements must meet several variables
*Reduced Fees for water, sewer, utility connection
*ADU can be built with Modular Construction, Site Built or built as a Manufactured Home
*Fire sprinklers may be eliminated if main dwelling does not have sprinklers *ADU plus main residence must still meet local zoning Floor Area and Set Backs Although SB 1069 streamlines the process and reduces fees and parking requirements – the local building departments still have rules and regulations for submitting applications and plans for an Accessory Dwelling Unit. To determine if it’s feasible from a zoning and financial standpoint – USModular offers a Feasibility Study with a Conceptual Budget service that will help most homeowners make an informed decision as to the size, location and cost of building an Accessory Dwelling Unit.

Phase I Feasability Study

• Review Local Building Department Rules/Regulations to determine:
• Floor Area Ratio, Setbacks, Parking, Mass Transit Plan, Available Utilities and Needs analysis
• Plan Submittal Requirements
• Create Site Plan of Current House
• Analyze options for Converting Existing Garage to ADU or New construction for tiny home • Develop Conceptual Budget for Garage Conversion and/or New Construction

Phase II New Construction

• Choose a pre-designed Accessory Dwelling Unit (most cost effective) or custom design ADU
• Determine Type of Construction (site Build, Modular, Manufactured)
• Create required Civil Engineering Plans and House plans
• Submit site and house plans to State and local building departments for approvals
• Demo/Grade
• Install required utilities
• Build Foundation
• Build Home / Install Modular / Manufactured Home
• Coordinate with State and local building department for inspections
• Complete exterior site work or landscaping per plans
• Obtain Certificate of Occupancy

Cost

ADU's start at *2 to $125/sf
*2 Site Built Tiny Home or Garage Conversion – TBD based on design, finishes, code

ADU Features

Expand Your Current Living Space!
An ADU is a cost-effective way to expand your current living space. Since utility costs are reduced you will save big on heating, cooling, and electric bills with Tiny Homes, Granny Flats, and Accessory Units!
Save Time and Save Money We can build your new ADU in a fraction of the time! You have the opportunity to have a Multi-Generational home – but still maintain privacy. Families needs change frequently. Keep your loved ones close and safe with an Accessory Dwelling Unit!

Why Choose PreFabricated Construction

California Tiny Homes is a division of US Modular Home Builders. Our accessory dwelling units are built with modern off-site PREFABRICATED construction; a green building style that has less impact on the environment and the neighborhood. All of our homes are built to Federal or Local Building Code. We have many plans that are designed specifically as Tiny Homes / Granny Flats / Accessory Units and they are ideal for the up-and-coming tiny and small home market. Our staff of experienced designers and engineers are available to help you create a green, cost effective, beautiful ADU. Our entire team at USModular is dedicated to our client’s complete satisfaction. We incorporate each client into the building process through our proactive person-to-person approach. We build faster, better, greener and for less!